CHRIS HUGHTON has revealed that Wayne Routledge is straining at the leash to get a slice of the action against Scunthorpe tonight.

The flying former Spurs winger has not featured since the 4-1 win over Coventry City four games ago but is fit again after a calf injury.

Routledge is second only in the Championship to West Brom star Graham Dorrans, who is five ahead, in the assists table with 11 so far, and had a hand in four goals on his St James’ Park debut against Coventry.

Routledge made one and scored one against Coventry and is keen to return against the Iron tonight.

Hughton told the Chronicle: “In Wayne’s case, he’d had two days training before Boro, and although he’s a very fit lad, the most important thing is having players available for the 11 games we’ve got left.

“There was a temptation to put Wayne on at Boro – it’s a normal emotion in a game.

“We had a period where Middlesbrough were playing very well, and at that stage, it looked like if a team was going to score, it was going to be them.

“He’s keen to get back.”

Hughton will also welcome back Jose Enrique tonight but Alan Smith misses out, still hurt with an ankle problem.

Hughton said: “Jose is back in contention but re Alan coming back for Bristol City at the weekend, we’ll wait and see.”

Hughton also confirmed that Shola Ameobi will be back in training tomorrow but will be under no pressure to return to the first-team picture due to the form of Peter Lovenkrands and Andy Carroll.

Mike Williamson is already out for a month after breaking his hand, and Fabricio Coloccini is a doubt with a dead leg for tonight, meaning Tamas Kadar stands by.

Hughton said he was still undecided whether to bring in a loan player and he has eight days to decide.

He said: “At this particular moment, I don’t think that will happen, but we’ll continue to assess it.

“We’re quite comfortable in most areas, but probably the area where we are a bit vulnerable, with Mike being out for a short period, is at centre-half.